Malaysian officials have kicked off operations for a new railway line in the country's capital of Kuala Lumpur. The government worked with Japanese firms to help build the system. They hope it will ease the city's serious traffic congestion problem.
Officials held a ceremony to mark the start of service for the train line. Prime Minister Najib Razak says the new infrastructure will give Malaysia an economic boost.
(Najib Razak / Malaysian Prime Minister)
"It will save time and increase productivity. It will surely help to improve our nation's economy."
The 50-kilometer line crosses the capital and links to the suburbs. Riding from one end to the other takes about 80 minutes.
The government contracted with two Japanese companies to help construct the railway. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries made the tracks, and Meidensha provided the power supply system.
Officials estimate it will be used by up to about 400,000 people a day.
◆kicked off 始める
◆traffic congestion 交通渋滞
◆mark 記念する
◆one end to the other 端から端まで
◆track 線路
